BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Heritage Port Stanley - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Heritage Port Stanley
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Heritage Port Stanley
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Toronto
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20230312T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20231105T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20230312T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20231105T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20240310T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20241103T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250424T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250424T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20250618T181118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T190633Z
UID:100975-1745501400-1745506800@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:Growing in Water: The Legacy of Moore Water Gardens
DESCRIPTION:At the April 2025 Heritage Port Stanley meeting\, Farley See shared the rich\, multi-generational story of Moore Water Gardens\, one of Port Stanley’s most unique and enduring businesses. From swampy beginnings to a thriving wholesale nursery\, Farley’s presentation traced the evolution of the gardens through rare photos\, family history\, and industry innovation—offering new insight into a beloved local landmark. \nKey Points from the Presentation:\n\nMoore Water Gardens was established by Monte Moore\, son of John Moore\, who originally purchased the swampy land.\nMonte had polio as a child—gentle steps at the business were designed to accommodate him.\nHe studied Entomology in Florida and developed an interest in water plants.\nMarried Isabelle Keen—both families had Port Stanley cottages—and built their home on East Road.\nMonte constructed cement-framed ponds down the hillside for growing aquatic plants.\nThe business formally began selling water plants in 1932.\nEarly operations focused on mail orders; today\, it’s largely wholesale to garden centers.\nFarley passed around catalogues dating from the 1930s to the 1980s.\nPhotos showed the original greenhouse layout\, ponds\, and business growth over time.\nDuring the pandemic\, they paused fish sales due to lack of overseas stock\, but plan to restart in 2025 with Canadian suppliers.\nFarley showed an original fish shipping container used via the L&PS Railway\, designed with a compartment for ice to keep fish cool during transport.\nAlso presented: a unique oak lily planter that sinks to the pond bottom.\nThe original cement ponds still exist\, though much of the cement has worn over time.\nThe presentation generated strong audience engagement\, especially from those who hadn’t yet visited the gardens.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/growing-in-water-the-legacy-of-moore-water-gardens/
LOCATION:Moore Water Gardens\, 4683 Sunset Dr\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1J4\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/moore-water-gardens.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250327T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250327T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20250618T175821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T145235Z
UID:100970-1743082200-1743087600@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:Letters from the Past: The Life of Sam Shepard at Windjammer
DESCRIPTION:At the March 2025 meeting\, held inside the historic Windjammer house\, the audience was treated to a theatrical and heartfelt portrayal of Sam Shepard\, a prominent 19th-century figure in Port Stanley’s history. Craig Cole\, performing in character\, brought Shepard’s life and letters to vivid life—revealing personal love stories\, early trade ventures\, political tensions\, and moments of national mourning through documents found in his old home. \nKey Points from the Presentation:\n\nCraig Cole appeared as Sam Shepard\, wearing the original Shepard top hat\, traditionally awarded to the first ship into the Port Stanley harbour each spring.\nThe performance was set at Windjammer\, the home Sam and his wife Mary built and where the letters were said to be discovered in an old desk drawer.\nShepard’s letters spanned from 1863 to 1871\, and included correspondence to:\n\nHis wife Mary\, expressing deep affection and family concerns.\nHis business partner Yarington\, who had moved to Nevada and invited Shepard to join him.\n\n\nShepard shared frustrations about profit margins from grain deals and confessed to buying gold with his earnings\, which didn’t always yield returns.\nThe letters gave insight into travel expenses in Chicago\, including:\n\n$3/day for a hotel room\n$0.15 for a shave or boot polishing\nCigars for $0.03\n\n\nHistorical side notes included:\n\nThe first dried apples shipped to England by Shepard.\nHenry Bostwick\, son of John Bostwick\, drowned in Lake Tahoe after also relocating to Nevada.\nA Port Stanley procession honoring President Lincoln after his assassination.\n\n\nLocal fears surrounding Fenian raids in the region.\nOccasional trips aboard the Mary Rose\, the family’s ship.\nSam and Mary Shepherd had two sons: John and Francis (Frank).\nYarington’s extravagant wedding and their political commentary\, especially regarding Sam Price\, the local Justice of the Peace\, were also included in the readings.\nThe event concluded with applause for Craig Cole’s engaging\, informative\, and imaginative storytelling.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/letters-from-the-past-the-life-of-sam-shepard-at-windjammer/
LOCATION:Windjammer Inn\, 324 Smith St\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1C6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WindjammerInn.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250227T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250227T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20250618T163953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T190951Z
UID:100948-1740663000-1740668400@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:Art Grayling & The Evolution of Port Stanley’s Fishing Industry
DESCRIPTION:In this engaging presentation\, historian Mike Baker shared an interview by George Thorman with lifelong Port Stanley fisherman Art Grayling. Through rare photos and firsthand accounts\, the audience was given a deep look into the local fishing industry\, its challenges\, and how Art and his family navigated decades of change on water and at the dock. \nYou can view the full interview here: https://www.elginhistoricalsociety.ca/node/74 \nKey Points from the Presentation:\n\nArt began fishing as a young boy in small boats on Kettle Creek\, later becoming a full-time professional fisherman.\nOver the years\, he owned a series of boats: starting with a handmade wooden boat\, then larger wooden tugs\, and eventually metal boats like the Noskca-J\, Stanley Clipper\, and LeeJay.\nGill nets were introduced after his father got a license. Nets evolved from cotton and linen to nylon and eventually microfilament\, which didn’t rot when wet.\nIce cutting was a crucial winter task. Ice was taken from the harbour and stored beside the fish house before Art installed an ice machine in 1964.\nIn 1962\, Art launched the Noskca-J by dragging it over the frozen harbour to reach open water\, catching 12 tons of fish in three days.\nArt opened the Grayling Fish Store at 174 Main Street in 1973. Initially\, customers picked whole fish themselves\, but preferences shifted to pre-filleted fish.\nFish were handled multiple times before sale\, explaining the $3.00/lb price.\nArt discussed the decline of whitefish and herring populations due to poor survival rates without hatchery support. Perch have better spawning conditions.\nA mercury scare in 1970 devastated local fish sales\, despite no actual contamination in the Great Lakes.\nThe high cost of fishing tugs and equipment was detailed—highlighting economic challenges.\nArt’s daughter Heather and grandson Jason shared family stories and contributed many of the historic photos used in the presentation.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/art-grayling-the-evolution-of-port-stanleys-fishing-industry/
LOCATION:Port Stanley Festival Theatre – Harbourview Room\, 6-302 Bridge Street\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-3.08.59 PM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250123T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250123T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20250618T155150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T152036Z
UID:100932-1737639000-1737644400@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:The Settlement of Orchard Beach: Cottages\, Community & Legacy
DESCRIPTION:In January 2025\, Mike Baker delivered a captivating presentation on the early settlement and cottage history of Orchard Beach\, a treasured corner of Port Stanley. From the first peach orchard cottages to the families who shaped its growth\, Mike’s talk brought to life the vibrant community and iconic architecture of this historic lakeside area. \nKey Points from the Presentation:\nThe First Cottage (1883)\n\nBuilt by Rev. J.W.P. Smith in a peach orchard.\nDepicted in a painting by Susan McKay (now in the Port Stanley Library).\nK.W. McKay and James A. Bell were involved in laying out the area formally.\n\nEarly Maps & Beach Development\n\nIncluded photos and maps of the Drinkwater farm and original cottage\, postcards (1910–1915) of beaches\, federal groynes\, and Edward Street cottages\, as well as LE&DRR’s New Orchard Beach development diagrams.\n\nSummerholme & the YWCA Legacy\n\nBuilt in 1892 by the London YWCA as a girls’ summer camp in Orchard Beach.\nPurchased by Don Anderson in 1950 after the camp closed.\nThe final YWCA invite was sent by Betty Bone of Alma College.\nCurrent ownership: Katie (Anderson) Valentine.\n\nFamily Cottages & Notable Residents \n\nDarch Cottage (linked to Craig Cole’s family) and Findley Cottage were featured.\nJohn Darch’s widow operated a six-story store on Talbot Street\, which was London’s tallest building at the time.\n\nThe Purdom Legacy\n\nT.H. Purdom (ca. 1910):\n\nPublisher of the London Advertizer\nPresident of Savings and Loan Bank\nBought the Port–London Traction Line\nFounded Northern Life Insurance\nKey figure in both London business and cottage development in Orchard Beach\n\n\n\nAlma Villa & Duffield Family\n\nBuilt in 1916 by James Duffield (founder of Atlantic Petroleum).\nDuffield also owned a mansion on Queen St.\, London; Duffield Block named after him.\n\nThe Hyman Cottage\n\nMr. Hyman: Ran a tannery\, was an MP (1900–1907)\, and national tennis champion in the 1880s.\nHis London home is the Idlewild Inn on Grand Ave.\n\nPagoda Roof Cottage (1931)\n\nBuilt by Florence Wood (widow of Francis Wood)\, inspired by a Japanese tea house and Butchart Gardens.\nLater owned by John Sackville Labatt (1936) and Johnny Downs (1965).\n\nMoore Family Connection\n\nShirley Wood (Florence’s daughter) married Jake (John) Moore\, who became CEO of Labatt.\nThe Moore cottage was relocated to 165 Harrison Street.\nDescendants Penny and Nancy Moore still live in Orchard Beach.\n\nFinal Reflection\n\nPresentation concluded with a Savings and Loan Bank board photo\, illustrating the deep social and economic ties among Orchard Beach’s cottage families.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/the-settlement-of-orchard-beach-cottages-community-legacy/
LOCATION:Alma Villa\, 201 Lakeview St\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1A1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/orchard-beach.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241128T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241128T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20250620T155851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T153740Z
UID:101384-1732800600-1732806000@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:Settlement of Hillcrest
DESCRIPTION:Join local historian Sally Martyn\, with research support from Mike Baker\, for an illuminating journey through the early development of Hillcrest—Port Stanley’s elevated district rich with pioneer stories\, rare architecture\, resort-era charm\, and hidden histories. Through maps\, rare photographs\, and community lore\, this talk traces the transformation of Hillcrest from 1804 land grants to the elegant Hillcrest Inn and beyond. \nKey Points from the Presentation\nEarly Land Grant (1804)\n\nColonel John Bostwick received 600 acres (Concession 1 lots 1 and 2\, and Concession 2 lot 1).\n\nHistoric Roads and Maps\n\n1877 Atlas showed Prospect Street extending to the beach.\nHill Street stretched from Colborne Street up to East Road.\n\nBostwick House (1827)\n\nFramed with square oak beams and filled with handmade strawberry bricks.\nRare “brick nogging” construction style\, with only one other example in Ontario.\n\nThe Boulevard and Cornell Street\n\nThe Boulevard was the original road in front of the Bostwick House and other houses\, but eroded over time.\nCornell Street was constructed in 1918\, named after Nathan Cornell\, reeve and warden.\n\nBishop’s House\n\nAfter John Bostwick’s death in 1849\, the house passed to Joseph Bostwick.\nLater owned by Bishop John Walsh of London.\n\nMcQueen House\n\nEarly adobe house\, rare for Ontario.\nLater purchased by the Williamson family and covered in wood siding.\n\nCholera Hospital (1833–34)\n\nBuilt by Middlesex County during the cholera epidemic.\nMany victims buried on the hill; remains discovered in 1930.\n\nHeights Auction (1875)\n\nThirty cottages and lots were sold on the Heights.\nStreets included Observatory\, Alma\, Florence\, and Zephyr.\n\nLiberty Hill Club (1896)\n\nBuilt by J.A. Robinson alongside the White House and rental cottages.\nIncluded tennis courts\, dining rooms\, and beach access.\n\nMeteorological Tower (around 1900)\n\nInstalled to track wind and weather patterns.\nRecords maintained by Manuel Payne.\n\nAqueduct and Mill\n\nAqueduct ran between the White House and Liberty Hill Club.\nSupplied water to Bostwick Mill on Kettle Creek.\n\nHillcrest Inn Expansion (1931)\n\nCarrie Rainier and Stan Ship expanded the Inn into a 35-room hotel.\nIncluded dining areas and hosted notable guests.\n\nFire and Decline (1964)\n\nThe Inn was sold in 1950.\nDestroyed by fire on December 9\, 1964.\n\nViewpoints and Beach History\n\nPhotos showed early roads\, orchards\, and federal groynes improving Orchard Beach.
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/settlement-of-hillcrest-2/
LOCATION:Hillcrest Hilltop\, Hill Street\, just north of Orchard Beach\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1H1\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HillCrest-Inn-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240620T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240620T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T152801
CREATED:20240621T151936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T154718Z
UID:100891-1718890200-1718895600@heritageportstanley.ca
SUMMARY:From Camp to Cottage: The Story of Summer Holme
DESCRIPTION:In June\, Katie Valentine shared the fascinating story of the Summer Holme cottage\, a former YWCA summer camp turned cherished family home. Located in Orchard Beach\, this historic structure has stood for over 130 years\, evolving from a dorm-style retreat for young women into a warm\, character-filled cottage lovingly preserved across generations. \nKey Points from the Presentation\nYWCA Origins (1891)\n\nBuilt by the London YWCA as a summer camp for girls.\nConstructed by John Ellison\, likely linked to Christ Church.\nFeatured wraparound porches and rustic camp accommodations.\nOperated as a camp for 60 years\, until 1951.\n\nAnderson Family Era\n\nPurchased in 1951 by Don Anderson.\nRenovated by architect George “Bud” Morley into a functional summer cottage.\nKey changes included new bedrooms\, a modern kitchen\, and bathrooms.\n\nFamily Heritage\n\nFurnished with antique décor and historic maps.\nKept in the Anderson family for 70 years.\n\nCurrent Ownership\n\nIn 2021\, ownership passed to Katie (Anderson) Valentine.\nCottage preservation was maintained per family trust instructions.\nOnly minor layout updates have been made for comfort.\n\n 
URL:https://heritageportstanley.ca/event/from-camp-to-cottage-the-story-of-summer-holme/
LOCATION:Summer Holme (Valentine/Anderson Cottage)\, 302 Bridge S\, Port Stanley\, Ontario\, N5L 1C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Heritage Talks & Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://heritageportstanley.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/summer-holmes.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR